There are a variety of literacy groups in the Syracuse region. One of them, LiteracyCNY, attacks adult illiteracy.

Here's where you come in. LiteracyCNY works with about 500 adults at any given time. There's a waiting list of between 50 to 100 people who want to learn to read by can't because there aren't enough volunteers to teach them.

LiteracyCNY needs people who will work one-on-one with adult learners. The time commitment is minimal. You are trained for 15 hours over five weeks - in five 3-hour sessions - and then spend about two hours a week working with a learner.

The agency also needs people to work with learners ages 17 to 22 who have left school but are trying to prepare for high school equivalency classes. There is one six-hour training session planned in March.

And if the above opportunities don't appeal to you, LliteracyCNY needs volunteers to work in its computer lab and conversation groups. A six-hour training session will be scheduled when enough interested persons step forward.

So what do you say? Want to help fight the root causes of crime and violence in the community? Want to be the kind of person who helps a family provide for itself?

If you're over age 18 and have a high school degree yourself, you can get started by calling Robin Morgan of LiteracyCNY at 471-1300, ext. 173 or emailing her at rmorgan@literacycny.org. She'll give you more details on the opportunities or put you in touch with someone who can.